By Theft of livestock and machinery in North Lincolnshire
Humberside Police are offering crime prevention tips to farmers to prevent the theft of livestock and machinery as the force tackles rural crime.
According to figures from Neighbourhood Watch, £2.5 million worth of livestock was stolen in 2018.
Although this figure dropped in 2020 due to the pandemic, figures are expected to return to pre-pandemic numbers as restrictions are eased.
Livestock theft has become an organised crime with thousands of pounds worth of sheep being stolen each year, producing a long-lasting financial and emotional effect on the farmers who will suffer the loss of a bloodline, bred over several generations.
According to NFU Mutual, machinery theft is reported to be costing the industry in the region £40 million annually, with quad bikes, power tools and 4×4 vehicles all stolen in larger numbers by what is thought to be planned thefts.
Officers are also aware of a number of reported thefts of GPS tractor receivers and screens across the county.
These units are an essential piece of equipment for the farming community.
The advice offered by Humberside Police is as follows:
- Report any unusual vehicles loading livestock
- Close all gates
- Report any people seen hanging around that seem suspicious
- Where possible, vehicles should be kept in a lockable garage or building, with security lighting.
- Vehicles should always be locked when not in use.
- Have the Vehicle Identification Number etched on windows.
- Install immobilisers, chip keys and trackers
- Keep records or photographs of serial numbers and vehicles
- Keep gates to yards and fields close
